6 Best LLC Services in Louisiana (2024 Top Performers)
Navigating the LLC formation process can be daunting, especially for those unfamiliar with legal intricacies. It could also result in rejected filing forms and delayed processing for weeks or months.
To avoid this, you should hire the best Louisiana LLC service to handle all the legwork on your behalf.
Having over 8 years of experience in the LLC formation process, I partnered with fellow experts in business and legal fields to present the top LLC services in Louisiana.
Venture Smarter meticulously evaluated each provider to ensure you receive unbiased, expert recommendations that cater to the unique needs of your startup or small business.
| Company | LLC Packages | LLC Fees | Registered Agent Price | Same & Next Day Filing | Money-Back Guarantee | Free Package Features | BBB Accredited | Advisory Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ZenBusiness (Best Overall) |
3 | From 0$ | $199 | Pro & Premium Package | 60 days | LLC Filing & 100% Accuracy Guarantee | Yes | Accounting Consultation |
| Northwest (Best Premium) |
1 | $39 (using our link) | First year free with LLC purchase / $125 from 2nd year | No | 90 days | None | No, A rating | No |
| Bizee (Most Affordable) |
3 | From $0 | First year free with LLC purchase / $119 from 2nd year | Platinum Package | Order refundable before state payment (usually 24h), minus $30 fee. | LLC Filing, FREE Registered Agent (1 year), EIN, Operating Agreement, Business Tax Consultation & more | No | Tax: Free 1-hour Consultation |
| LegalZoom (Best Essentials) |
3 | From $0 | $299 | No | 60 days | LLC Filing, Digital welcome packet, Customizable website | Yes, A+ rating | Attorney Consultations (Premium Plan) |
| Swyft Filings | 3 | From $0 | $199 | Premium Package | 60 days | LLC Filing & Lifetime customer support | No | No |
| Rocket Lawyer | 1 | Free with Rocket Legal+ / $99.99 with Rocket Legal | $249.99 with Rocket Legal / $124.99 with Rocket Legal+ | No | 30 days | None | Yes | Legal: Ask-a-lawyer via email & 30-minute monthly phone consultation per new matter (with subscription) |
ZenBusinessTop 6 Best LLC Services in Louisiana (Best Overall) (December 2024)
1 - ZenBusiness (Best Overall)
Pros and Cons
- User-friendly platform and dashboard.
- Special offers and discounts available.
- Nationwide service availability.
- Extensive educational resources.
- Customizable packages to fit business needs.
- Alerts for compliance changes.
- Different packages might confuse some users.
- Potential upselling of unnecessary services.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- For new business owners needing affordable, comprehensive LLC services.
Not for those looking for in-person support.
Who is it not for?
- ZenBusiness provides a cost-effective and user-friendly platform for LLC formation, making it ideal for startups and small business owners on a budget. The service is less suitable for those who prefer more personalized, face-to-face business advisory.
ZenBusiness is renowned for providing Louisiana entrepreneurs with an excellent LLC formation package at a competitive price, making them the ideal choice for startups in the state.
ZenBusiness provides three tiers of LLC formation packages to meet your unique business needs. This allowed us to choose the most cost-effective option that fully supported our business and budget.
As per our experience with them, their comprehensive assistance made the entire process stress-free and easy from beginning to end.
Their intuitive platform guarantees a quick 10-12 minute filing. They provide clear-cut package options, emphasizing vital inclusions like an EIN.
My LLC was ratified in just four days, followed by a detailed New Business Kit.
Plus, their affordably priced plans helped us cut down on expenses for basic Louisiana court filings. We would definitely recommend their services to anyone looking for expert assistance with LLC formation.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Starter Formation Package ($0 + $105 State Fee): Includes LLC formation, operating agreement template, and standard filing speed (7 to 10 days). The package also offer a 100% accuracy guarantee and an optional worry-free compliance for the first year at no cost. If customers choose to continue worry-free compliance, it renews at $199/year. You'll also get a one-month free trial for banking services followed by a $5 monthly fee and an inclusive Money Pro Bookkeeping service.
- Pro Package ($199 + $105 State Fee): All features of the Starter Package, along with EIN registration, annual report filings, and two amendments per year. This includes a fast, 1 business day filing option and an LLC operating agreement template available for $99.
- Premium Package ($299 + $105 State Fee): The Zen Business package includes all the features from the Pro Package, such as a company domain name, privacy, a customizable business website, and a business email address. On top of that, it now offers business document templates and a 1-business-day filing speed, giving you a complete set of tools to efficiently manage your business.
- Registered Agent Services ($199): Their registered agent service has a yearly renewal of $199.
2 - Northwest Registered Agent (Best Premium)
Pros and Cons
- Maintenance tools for business.
- Expert guidance on legal forms.
- Privacy-focused business model.
- Secure online account management.
- Comprehensive business tools.
- Legal form assistance may vary.
- Not the cheapest option available.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- For businesses prioritizing privacy and detailed customer support.
Not for those seeking the lowest-cost provider.
Who is it not for?
- Northwest Registered Agent excels in offering privacy protections and exceptional support, though its services come at a higher price point. It's best suited for businesses that value a comprehensive, supportive LLC formation experience.
I remember when I was in the beginning phases of my entrepreneurial path, feeling overwhelmed with all the formalities. Turning to Northwest Registered Agent was a game-changer. Their two decades of experience was evident as they addressed each of my questions quickly and thoroughly.
In the United States, where small companies provide jobs for 61.6 million people, making up 45.9% of the country’s workforce according to the Profile on Small Business Economics, the solutions provided by Northwest Registered Agent made the LLC formation process straightforward and intuitive.
The first filing was done in just 9 minutes, with everything processed within 72 hours, even though we selected a 5-day service and began on a Saturday. Their focus on accuracy and customer support were apparent throughout.
Using PrivacybyDefault guaranteed that we could forget about protecting our information.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Plan ($39 + $105 State Fee): Fast LLC setup service with additional state filing fees, with one year of free registered agent service, a business address, and complimentary mail forwarding when you set up your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent. Enjoy added privacy by default, along with a free domain, website, email, and business phone to launch your business seamlessly.
- Registered Agent Services ($125): Once you create your LLC with Northwest Registered Agent, you are given the first year of this service for free. Afterward, it will be renewed yearly. Reduced to $100 for national registered agent service for multi-state businesses.
3 - Bizee (Most Affordable)
Pros and Cons
- Easy to use for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs.
- Tools for Financial Management and Growth Tips.
- Dedicated support for starting and growing your business.
- Provides free tax consultation.
- Access to a wide range of business services.
- Financial tools may require background knowledge.
- Support availability may vary by package.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- For entrepreneurs seeking a free initial LLC setup with basic services.
Not for those needing robust legal or business consulting services.
Who is it not for?
- IncFile is great for those starting out and needing simple, straightforward LLC formation services at no initial cost. It may not fully satisfy those who need more extensive legal advice or business consulting.
In Louisiana, you may use Louisiana LLC formation services for free. Well, that is, if you worked with Bizee (formerly Incfile).
They do not charge fees for their high-quality LLC formation services, so we paid the state fees and other minimal expenses like address and certification fees.
Additionally, Bizee's customer support has quick response times.
After a thorough evaluation, we were quite impressed with the results provided by Bizee.
Their registered agent services expertly managed all court documents and IRS interactions on our behalf, ensuring that we remained on top of everything.
Bizee went above and beyond to make us feel like their top priority. They offered valuable guidance and guided us through every step of the process in a friendly and professional manner.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Silver Package ($0 + $105 State Fee): This LLC formation service will cost you only your state of Louisiana fee. When you sign with Bizee Silver Package, you will also receive the services of a Louisiana Registered Agent.
- Gold Package ($199 + $105 State Fee): With all the great features of the Silver Package like customer support, multiple name searches, and filing the articles of organization, you will get many more if you opt for Louisiana Gold Package. A banking account with banking resolution is one of them. Your business will get great support in handling taxes like Bussiness Tax Numbers, IRS Form 2553, and tax consultation [1].
- Platinum Package ($299 + $105 State Fee): Louisiana Platinum Package is the right choice for you if your business requires filling on the next day. You will also receive a domain name with an email for your business. All features from previous deals are included.
- Registered Agent Services ($119): With 24/7 access to your personalized online dashboard you will have options to look at your documents and receive any notification that is relevant to your business. The first year is cost-free when forming LLC with Bizee.
4 - LegalZoom LLC Services (Best Essentials)
Pros and Cons
- Help with taxes and annual reports.
- Personalized alerts and reminders.
- Business maintenance tools provided.
- High customer satisfaction and recommendations.
- Not all business types covered comprehensively.
- Prices vary significantly between packages.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- For small business owners needing fast and efficient LLC filing.
Not for those who may require more extensive ongoing compliance support.
Who is it not for?
- Swyft Filings offers speedy and efficient LLC services, suitable for entrepreneurs who want to get their business up and running quickly. While it provides comprehensive initial support, it may fall short for businesses that need in-depth, long-term compliance assistance.
In just over a decade, LegalZoom has expertly assisted over four million individuals and businesses with various legal services, including protecting intellectual property rights, business formation, and operations.
According to LegalZoom, they have assisted over four million individuals and businesses, including aiding in the creation of over 2 million businesses, generating 3.5 million estate planning documents, and providing access to their attorney network over 650,000 times.
LegalZoom may be a more expensive option than other Louisiana LLC services.
Still, their expertise has made them the go-to platform for navigating complex laws, meaning they may be worth the investment for business formation service if your budget allows.
The entry-level package is affordable but lacks helpful LLC features, such as an article of organization and name check.
Their comprehensive range of services is fantastic, and we especially appreciated their registered agent service. The customer support team was also very knowledgeable and helpful.
Nonetheless, it's important to note that their business formation plans can be somewhat pricey.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Package ($0 + $105 State Fee): The Basic Package includes comprehensive name search and business entity filing, article of organization, name search, complete digital LLC welcome packet, and customizable website powered by Wix.
- Pro Package ($249 + $105 State Fee): Includes everything the Basic package includes. However, it comes with a tax savings consultation, an operating agreement, EIN and an in-depth business licensing guide.
- Premium Package ($299 + $105 State Fee): It includes everything that Pro packages have plus a personalized notebook from a professional business attorney. The Premium package also comes with limitless 30-minute guidance from an attorney on new legal topics and applied changes for formation documents within the first 3 months.
- Registered Agent Services ($299): If you decide to create your startup with LegalZoom, you will pay $50 less for the registered agent. After that, renewing would be $299.
5 - Swyft Filings LLC Formation Service
Pros and Cons
- Basic package starts at $0 + state fees.
- Comprehensive name check included.
- Preparation of Articles of Incorporation provided.
- Lifetime customer support (phone & email).
- Expedited services require additional fees.
- Basic package may lack needed features for some.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- For those who prefer a well-known provider with a range of legal services.
Not for those looking for the cheapest LLC service available.
Who is it not for?
- LegalZoom offers a wide array of legal and business services beyond basic LLC formation, making it ideal for businesses that might also need intellectual property or legal services. Its prices and upsells, however, may be a deterrent for budget-conscious entrepreneurs.
When I was eager to get my LLC established, I turned to Swyft Filings. Their quickness and effectiveness in the LLC formation process were noteworthy.
Setting up a business should not be challenging or time-consuming, so they provide a formation package that can help businesses establish effectively.
While forming an LLC with them, we learned that Swyft Filings provides a 100% money-back guarantee.
The biggest downside of working with them is that their packages do not provide a free registered agent service for your New Mexico business.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Basic Package ($0 + $105 State Fee): This will offer basic LLC incorporation plus document filing.
- Standard Package ($199 + $105 State Fee): Includes LLC incorporation and document filing, including a Federal Tax ID (EIN) and a good selection of documents to start your business. Premium
- Premium Package ($299 + $105 State Fee): The premium package features all Basic and Standard services, along with a customized digital corporate kit, free domain, and business website hosting.
- Registered Agent Service ($149 per three months): The registered agent service is a subscription billed every 3 months.
6 - Rocket Lawyer LLC Services
Pros and Cons
- Unlimited legal documents, revisions, and copies.
- Electronic signing and anytime print access for documents.
- Quick answers from real lawyers within 1 business day.
- Discounts on attorney hires.
- Membership required for free business formation.
- Legal advice beyond basics may require additional fees.
- Document protection effectiveness may vary.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- For businesses needing ongoing legal services along with LLC formation.
Not for those who just need basic LLC filing without additional legal services.
Who is it not for?
- Rocket Lawyer is perfect for businesses that anticipate needing legal support frequently, offering a subscription model that provides significant value over time. This service is less ideal for those who do not require the additional legal services and prefer a one-time LLC setup.
I once found myself needing to draft a contract and stumbled upon Rocket Lawyer. Their free legal tools were an incredible help, and I even consulted with one of their budget-friendly attorneys.
Rocket Lawyer’s services for LLC formation are renowned for their ease of use, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.
The platform’s straightforwardness, paired with professional legal support, makes it an attractive choice for startups keen to launch their businesses without hassle.
Usually, forming an LLC through Rocket Lawyer takes 7-10 business days.
Continual compliance assistance is provided for an additional cost, including reminders for filing deadlines and news specific to your state.
Their website features a full page providing information on topics such as help desk services, membership, and starting a business online.
LLC Formation Packages:
- Rocket Lawyer Bundle ($99.99 + $105 State Fee): Set up your first LLC for FREE with Rocket Legal+ subscription ($19.99/month, charged annually at $239.88 following a free 7-day trial).
- Registered Agent Service ($249.99): $124.99 / year with Rocket Legal+ subscription ($19.99/month, billed annually at $239.88 after a free 7-day evaluation)
Why You Should Trust Us
When selecting the right LLC service for your business in Louisiana, my extensive background and firsthand experience in the field position me as a credible source of guidance.
As the CEO, co-founder, and editor-in-chief of Venture Smarter, I've spent over eight years consulting with startups and established businesses, helping them scale and navigate the complexities of successful operations. This journey is built on a solid foundation of academic and practical knowledge in business and legal fields.
Throughout my career, I've closely worked with various LLC services, significantly impacting the operational success of many clients. This experience has equipped me with a comprehensive perspective on what businesses genuinely need from their LLC service providers.
Therefore, when I recommend ZenBusiness as the top choice for your LLC formation needs in Louisiana, it's based on a blend of professional insight and a history of positive results.
My commitment to your success is backed by years of assisting businesses in achieving their goals, making my endorsement of ZenBusiness a recommendation you can rely on with confidence.
How We Picked And Tested The Best LLC Services In Louisiana
Venture Smarter methodology for selecting the top LLC services in Louisiana involved a thorough review of numerous providers.
We examined 18 different companies, assessing them through anonymous testing to ensure an unbiased perspective. Our team also consulted with legal experts who are well-versed in Louisiana's business landscape.
In our evaluation, we considered key factors such as service costs, the range of primary and supplementary services offered, the companies' reputations, the user-friendliness of their platforms, their expertise in Louisiana-specific regulations, operational speed, customer support quality, and user feedback.
Here is what we found:
1. Pricing
Pricing is critical in choosing an LLC service, as it directly impacts your business's budget.
We compared each LLC service's package prices, including state fees, and evaluated them for hidden costs.
Our examination revealed that Bizee distinguishes itself through its complimentary package that comes with a registered agent. Similarly, LegalZoom and ZenBusiness provide attractively priced fundamental packages.
Additionally, Northwest Registered Agent presents an exceptional offer of $39, which includes a free registered agent for individuals who set up an account via our link.
2. Turnaround Time
The speed at which LLC services process legal documents is vital. This efficiency is vital because it directly impacts how quickly your business can start operating legally.
We measured the actual time from application submission to the completion of LLC formation for each service.
Providers like ZenBusiness and Bizee demonstrated exceptional efficiency in this regard, while others like Rocket Lawyer LLC Services, were slower, impacting the overall formation process.
3. Customer Support
Effective customer support is essential for timely and accurate assistance.
We conducted blind tests on each service's customer support for response time, knowledgeability, and helpfulness.
We evaluated the communication channels offered by these companies, such as phone, email, and online chat, and noted their responsiveness and availability.
We also examined whether the online chat services were manned by real people or bots, aiming to identify the most reliable support systems.
For instance, ZenBusiness provides prompt and helpful support, while Bizee's response times were notably quick.
4. Reliability and Reputation
Understanding the reliability and reputation of an LLC service is crucial as it reflects the trustworthiness and effectiveness of the service provider.
A company's reputation and reliability are gauged through user reviews and ratings on platforms like Trustpilot.
We found that ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent had high ratings and positive reviews, indicating strong reliability.
On the other hand, some services did not perform as well in this area. For instance, despite offering various services, LegalZoom's higher pricing and upsells have led to mixed reviews, reflecting some customer dissatisfaction.
5. Local Expertise
Understanding the specific laws and regulations of Louisiana is crucial when forming an LLC in the state.
Local expertise ensures that the service provider is well-versed in state-specific requirements, which can vary significantly from one state to another.
ZenBusiness showed a deep understanding of Louisiana's business environment and legal requirements.
Northwest RA also has a strong focus on state-specific regulations. Their expertise in Louisiana's legal landscape makes them a reliable choice for entrepreneurs who value local knowledge.
6. Service Offered
The range of services offered by an LLC formation company is crucial as it determines how much the company can support your business's legal and operational needs.
We looked for companies that provide essential services like operating agreements or EIN registration and those offering additional paid services.
ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent emerged as top contenders, offering a comprehensive suite of services. In contrast, some providers like LegalZoom lacked in this area, offering limited additional services.
7. Ease of Use
Ease of use is a crucial aspect of any LLC service platform. It ensures that users can navigate the process of forming and managing their LLC with minimal confusion or frustration.
While most companies on our list strive to offer user-friendly platforms, the degree of ease varies.
ZenBusiness and Northwest Registered Agent are notable for their exceptionally streamlined and intuitive interfaces, making them ideal choices for those who prioritize ease of use in their LLC formation journey.
Steps to creating an LLC in Louisiana
Louisiana business owners can take advantage of a streamlined process for forming an LLC without needing to hire a third-party business formation company.
Here are the seven steps to form an LLC in Louisiana:
- Step 1: Select a Business Name
- Step 2: Choose a Registered Agent
- Step 3: File the Articles of Organization
- Step 4: Draft an Operating Agreement
- Step 5: Open Business Bank Account
- Step 6: Acquire Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Step 7: Secure Applicable Business Licenses and Permits
For additional details on how long it takes for your LLC to be approved in Louisiana, please see our article.
Our Verdict On The Best LLC Service in Louisiana
From our comprehensive evaluation of LLC services in Louisiana, ZenBusiness emerged as a top choice for entrepreneurs looking to form an LLC in the state.
Their diverse range of cost-effective packages, tailored to meet various business needs, stands out in the crowded field of LLC formation services.
The ease and efficiency of their process, from quick filing to the provision of essential tools like an EIN, make them an invaluable partner for both new and established businesses.
Furthermore, their exceptional customer support, available beyond regular hours, added an extra layer of assurance, making the journey of forming our Louisiana LLC both stress-free and successful.
ZenBusiness is the ideal choice for anyone seeking to form a Louisiana LLC.
References:
- https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f2553.pdf
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Wow, this article is amazing! It’s so full of insightful information. I never thought I would learn so much from just one read!